Colton Herta’s shocking resolution to go away his established place as an IndyCar driver to compete in Method 2 – a championship fully unfamiliar to him – in pursuit of his Method 1 dream has generated loads of dialogue within the motorsport world. The American is making the transfer to realize expertise and earn the mandatory tremendous license factors to probably be a part of the F1 grid with Cadillac sooner or later, having already signed with the brand new staff as a check driver.
Few individuals, nevertheless, have the background to remark with true perception, having raced competitively on either side of the Atlantic. Christian Lundgaard is certainly one of them.
The Dane climbed the European single-seater ladder all the way in which to F2 earlier than shifting to the US in 2022, when his path to Method 1 was successfully closed. Throughout his two seasons in F2, he scored two wins, one pole place, and 9 podium finishes.
Christian Lundgaard, ART Grand Prix
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Pictures
Lundgaard, who has simply wrapped up his greatest IndyCar season so far – ending fifth within the standings with six podiums in his first yr racing for Arrow McLaren – made it clear that he wouldn’t personally make the identical transfer as Herta, however expressed real happiness for his now former rival.
“I feel Colton goes to be taught so much overseas. It is a very completely different kind of racing and it isn’t as uncooked as it’s in America, however on the finish of the day, I’m pleased for him. I’m pleased that he’s doing what he needs to do, and, , he’s been given that chance,” Lundgaard mentioned in an unique interview with Motorsport.com, which can be revealed in full within the coming days.
“Clearly I have been in that world and I am pleased the place I’m now. I hope he finds happiness and peace with what his future holds. I do not assume it is a transfer that I might have made. And I feel, , there’s different drivers on the grid that may say the identical factor. And there is drivers that may say the alternative factor. And I feel, , that is the place we’re in life, what we would like.”
IndyCar mindset received’t work in F2
Colton Herta, Andretti International
Photograph by: Penske Leisure
When requested about the primary technical problem Herta will face in F2, Lundgaard couldn’t slender it all the way down to only one side. He believes the American will face an all-around problem and warned that he mustn’t strategy F2 with the very same racing mentality he utilized in IndyCar.
“I feel he can be going through a tricky problem general. I feel IndyCar is a really uncooked, powerful racing collection. And I feel Method 2 is a bit more, how would you say, a little bit extra sort of set, but in addition calm racing in a way,” Lundgaard defined.
“It isn’t as – I wouldn’t use the phrase thrilling – nevertheless it’s rather more easy. I feel he’s going to have a tricky time figuring that out at first. He’s possible entering into with the identical mentality he’s had in IndyCar, and I feel it’s protected to say that isn’t essentially the fitting strategy. However once more, it’d work for him. Time will inform.”
One factor is for certain: Lundgaard wouldn’t thoughts sharing some recommendation with Cadillac’s future F1 driver if requested – particularly if it entails combining racing speak with one other of their shared passions: golf.
“If he calls and asks me for suggestions, in fact, I’ll give them to him,” Lundgaard mentioned with a smile. “However I feel he’s additionally one of many golf guys, so hopefully we are able to type one thing out the place now we have a pleasant off-the-track dialog.”
Learn Additionally:
We would like your opinion!
What would you prefer to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Crew
